ATR 42-600 vs Saab 340
The ATR 42-600 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the ATR ATR 42-600 (introduced 2012) against the Saab Saab 340 (introduced 1984) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are regional, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the ATR 42-600 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
ATR 42-600 vs Saab 340: the key differences
- The Saab 340 delivers 4% more range (ATR 42-600: 900 nm; Saab 340: 935 nm).
- The ATR 42-600 delivers 20% more cruise speed (ATR 42-600: 300 kt; Saab 340: 250 kt).
- The ATR 42-600 delivers 43% more passenger capacity (ATR 42-600: 50 seats; Saab 340: 35 seats).
- The ATR 42-600 is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1984 for the Saab 340), a gap of 28 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The ATR 42-600 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (41,226 lbs versus 29,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the ATR 42-600 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Saab 340 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 42-600 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ATR 42-600 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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ATR 42-600 vs Saab 340: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 340?
The Saab 340 has the longer published range — 935 nm versus 900 nm for the ATR 42-600.
Does the ATR 42-600 or Saab 340 seat more passengers?
The ATR 42-600 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 50 seats, compared with 35 on the Saab 340.
Which is faster, the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 340?
The ATR 42-600 cruises faster, at 300 kt versus 250 kt for the Saab 340.
Which is newer, the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 340?
The ATR 42-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1984 for the Saab 340.
Is the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 340 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the ATR 42-600 is the larger aircraft — 41,226 lbs versus 29,000 lbs for the Saab 340.
Should I buy the ATR 42-600 or the Saab 340?
Choose the Saab 340 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the ATR 42-600 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the ATR 42-600 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the ATR 42-600 vs Saab 340?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.